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Amaro: Phillies' reputation is very good

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By Paul Hagen
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MLB.com |

CLEARWATER, Fla. -- After the NCAA ruled that Oregon State left-hander Ben Wetzler would be suspended 11 games for using an agent, the Phillies issued a statement on their involvement in bringing the infraction to the attention of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

It read: "The Phillies did participate in the NCAA investigation and a ruling has been issued. We believe it is inappropriate to comment further on either the negotiation with the player or the action taken by the NCAA."

The Phillies selected Wetzler in the fifth round and Washington State outfielder Jason Monda in the sixth round of the 2013 First-Year Player Draft. Both decided to remain in school. Baseball America reported that it was the Phillies who reported both players for using an agent to help them negotiate. Monda was recently reinstated. College players have long used advisors to guide them after the Draft, but the NCAA's penalty was based on the conclusion that in these cases the agents had overstepped the acceptable boundary.

General manager Ruben Amaro Jr., who first referred all questions to assistant general manager Marti Wolever when the story broke on Thursday, spoke briefly to reporters on Saturday.

Amaro acknowledged that he was "aware" when the issue was raised with the NCAA last November and that Wolever remains in charge of the scouting department. He added that he doesn't believe the Phillies' reputation has been harmed or that the incident will hamper the team in future Drafts.

"I think people know we do things professionally and the way we go about our business," Amaro said. "So I think our reputation is very good."

Paul Hagen is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.